Norwich VFW Senior Vice Commander Ralph Gennis, NYS Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, VFW Commander Joe Santiago, Chenango County Veterans' Services Director Joe Coe, DAV Volunteer Driver Harmon Tenwolde, DAV Volunteer Driver and Coordinator Jim Everard, and VFW Board Supervisor and Officer and former DAV Coordinator Ron Palmer stand around the transportation van that was donated to the Chenango County DAV chapter by DAV Transportation Office Volunteer Pat Hulslander. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

CHENANGO COUNTY — The Chenango County chapter of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is seeking volunteers to assist with driving local veterans to medical appointments.

DAV is a nationwide organization that assists veterans and their families by providing help securing benefits; representing the interests of veterans and their families in local, state, and federal government; providing transportation assistance to medical appointments; help veterans transition to civilian life; and connecting veterans and their spouses with employment opportunities.

To help with this mission, DAV Transportation Office Volunteer Pat Hulslander donated a new van to the Chenango County DAV chapter last year.

The Chenango County chapter currently serves veterans in Chenango County, parts of Otsego and Oneida Counties, and Rome.

Chenango County DAV Coordinator Jim Everard said they usually provide rides to the Syracuse VA Hospital, the Binghamton VA clinic, the Rome VA clinic, and specialized appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. However, they will provide rides on Mondays and Fridays if needed.

"We usually set up a pick up time, we take them up there, wait for them to have the appointment, and then bring them back home," said Everard.

Despite the large area they cover, Everard said they are currently down to only two volunteer drivers.

"I’m the coordinator and a driver, and then we have two drivers, but only one is available right now. The other one is unavailable. So we’re actually down to myself and another driver," he explained. "We’re getting along in age and it would be nice to have a couple people interested in doing it."

"I would take at least two right now if we can find anybody interested," he added.

Those interested in volunteering with DAV can call Everard at 607-373-9245.

Volunteers must have a valid driver's license, complete a physical through the VA, complete approximately four to five hours of training with a volunteer coordinator in Syracuse, and pass a background check.

Time spent providing rides can vary, Everard said, as it depends on the time of the appointment, the length of the appointment, and where the appointment is located.

However, he said volunteering time is flexible, and they can try to work around the schedules of volunteer drivers.

"We’re pretty flexible. If a driver has something going on we’ll work around that. We try to be real flexible," he said.

Everard said the extra volunteers would be of huge benefit to the local chapter, which assists an average of four to five veterans per week.

In addition to providing a much needed service to area veterans, volunteering with DAV is also extremely fulfilling, said Everard.

"It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done," he said. "The veterans are real appreciative."

More information on DAV and the services they provide can be found at DAV.org.